CFexpress Type B Cards: How to Choose the Right One for Your Camera
If you've recently upgraded to a high-performance mirrorless camera like the Sony A1, Nikon Z9, or Canon EOS R5, you've probably discovered that your old SD cards simply won't cut it anymore. These next-generation cameras demand next-generation storage — and that's exactly where the CFexpress Type B card comes in. Faster, more reliable, and built for the demands of professional shooting, CFexpress Type B is rapidly becoming the go-to standard for serious photographers and videographers. But with so many options on the market — including the increasingly popular CFexpress Type B 512GB — how do you know which one is right for you? This guide breaks it all down.
New to memory cards in general? Start with our beginner's guide to choosing the right memory card for your camera first. Already know which card you need? Head straight to our CFexpress Type B setup and speed tips guide to get the most out of it.
What Is a CFexpress Type B Card?
A CFexpress Type B card is a high-speed memory card standard that uses PCIe Gen 3 x2 and NVMe protocols — the same technology found in modern SSDs. This means blazing-fast read and write speeds compared to older formats like CompactFlash or UHS-II SD cards. CFexpress Type B cards are physically similar in size to the older XQD format and are backward compatible with XQD slots on cameras like certain Nikon bodies.
There are three physical form factors in the CFexpress family — Type A, Type B, and Type C — but Type B is by far the most widely adopted in professional cameras. If your camera manual specifies CFexpress Type B, you cannot substitute a Type A or Type C card, so always double-check your camera's compatibility.
Which Cameras Use CFexpress Type B Cards?
Many of today's leading mirrorless cameras and DSLRs rely on CFexpress Type B for their primary or secondary card slot. Here are some of the most popular models that use this format:
- Nikon Z9 — Dual CFexpress Type B slots
- Nikon Z8 — Dual CFexpress Type B slots
- Nikon Z7 II / Z6 II — One CFexpress Type B / XQD slot
- Sony A1 — Dual slots (CFexpress Type A and SD, but some configurations use Type B)
- Canon EOS R5 / R5 C — One CFexpress Type B slot + one SD slot
- Canon EOS R3 — Dual CFexpress Type B slots
- Panasonic S1R / S1H — CFexpress Type B compatible via firmware
Always consult your camera's user manual or Ted's Cameras staff to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Understanding Read and Write Speeds
When shopping for a CFexpress Type B card, you'll notice two key speed ratings: read speed and write speed. Here's what they mean in practice:
- Read Speed — How quickly your computer or card reader can transfer files off the card. Higher is better for fast post-production workflows.
- Write Speed — How quickly your camera can write data onto the card. This is the critical number for photographers who shoot bursts or record high-bitrate video.
Top-tier CFexpress Type B cards like the SanDisk Extreme Pro deliver read speeds up to 1,700 MB/s — essential for 8K RAW and high-speed burst workflows.
Top-tier CFexpress Type B cards can achieve write speeds of 1400–1700 MB/s and read speeds of 1700–1800 MB/s. Mid-range cards typically sit around 800–1200 MB/s read and 700–1000 MB/s write. For most photographers shooting RAW stills or 4K video, mid-range speeds are perfectly adequate. However, if you're capturing 8K RAW or shooting sport at 20+ frames per second, investing in a top-spec card is strongly recommended.
Choosing the Right Capacity: Why 512GB Is the Sweet Spot
CFexpress Type B cards are available in capacities ranging from 64GB all the way up to 2TB. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:
- 64GB–128GB — Suitable for hobbyists or backup slots. Fine for short shoots or JPEG-only workflows.
- 256GB — A solid choice for enthusiast photographers shooting RAW stills or 4K video on day trips and events.
- 512GB — The sweet spot for working professionals. A CFexpress Type B 512GB card gives you enough headroom for full-day shoots, high-resolution RAW files, and extended 4K or 6K video recording without constantly swapping cards.
- 1TB–2TB — Ideal for filmmakers recording long-form content, cinema productions, or photographers who can't afford to miss a shot at remote locations.
For photographers shooting on cameras like the Canon EOS R5 (which produces ~45MP RAW files) or the Nikon Z9 (shooting 45.7MP images in burst mode), a CFexpress Type B 512GB card is a genuinely practical choice — not just a luxury.
Top CFexpress Type B Card Brands to Consider
Not all CFexpress Type B cards are created equal. Here are some of the most trusted brands available at Ted's Cameras:
The Angelbird AV Pro SE CFexpress Type B is engineered specifically for sustained video recording, making it a favourite among professional videographers.
- ProGrade Digital — Known for consistent real-world performance and a Refresh Pro tool that maintains long-term card health.
- Lexar — Offers excellent value across multiple speed tiers, with the Gold and Diamond series targeting professionals.
- Sony — Reliable and well-optimised for Sony camera systems.
- Delkin Devices — Built for rugged conditions, with Black and Power series cards delivering excellent sustained write speeds.
- Angelbird — A favourite among videographers for their AV Pro range, specifically engineered for sustained video recording.
Don't Forget a Compatible Card Reader
One often-overlooked purchase when switching to CFexpress Type B is a compatible card reader. Standard SD card readers won't work with CFexpress Type B — you'll need a dedicated reader that specifically supports the format. Look for one with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt interface to take full advantage of the card's transfer speeds when offloading files to your computer.
A dedicated CFexpress card reader is essential — standard SD readers won't work with the Type B format.
Trusted CFexpress card reader brands include Sony, Manfrotto, ProGrade Digital, and SanDisk. Once you've chosen your card, our CFexpress Type B setup guide covers everything from first-time formatting to getting the fastest possible transfer speeds from your reader.
Shop CFexpress Type B Cards at Ted's Cameras
Ready to upgrade your storage? Browse our full range of CFexpress Type B cards from leading brands including ProGrade Digital, Lexar, Angelbird, Sony, and Delkin. Whether you're shooting sport, wildlife, or cinema-grade video, our team of photography experts can help you find the right card and reader combination for your specific camera system.